Back-board

ABSTRACT

The invention is designed to enable the user to perform both abdominal strengthening and back muscle strengthening exercises on the top of a conventional bed. A conventional bed is defined as one with a semi-rigid mattress and a rigid frame.  
     The invention attaches and detaches to the described bed easily and provides the means to strengthen both flexor and extensor muscles of the trunk with the dual advantages of maximum convenience and minimum cost.  
     The invention is a departure from the previous art in that it enables the user to strengthen the trunk muscles at home without the necessity of cumbersome and expensive equipment.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] 1. 5106083 Dec. 10, 1990 Hall 482/145 2. 4830367 May 16, 1989 Foran 482/140 3. 4609193 Sep. 2, 1986 Paris 482/144 4. 4522391 Jun. 11, 1985 Rundall 482/40  5. 4182511 Jan. 8, 1980 Camp 482/142 6. 6231923 Apr. 10, 2001 Cameron 482/142 7. 5776042 Jul. 7, 1998 Szabo 482/140 8. 5871425 Feb. 16, 1999 Gvoich 482/140 9. 6213923 Mar. 1, 1999 Cameron 482/142 10. 5492520 Feb. 1, 1996 Brown 482/142 11. 5725463 Mar. 1, 1998 Colonello 482/140 12. 5776042 Jul. 7, 1998 Szabo 482/140 13. 1705745 Mar. 1, 1929 Anderson 482/133 14. 4893813 Jan. 16, 1990 Murray 482/145 15. 5256126 Oct. 1, 1993 Grotstein 482/133 16. 5346447 Sep. 1, 1994 Steams 482/140 17. 5441473 Aug. 1, 1995 Safani 482/140 18. 4319747 Mar. 1, 1982 Rogers 482/145

BACKROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Acute low back problems are experienced by a large percentage of the adult population in the United States. The costs in terms of medical treatment, time lost from work, and disruption of normal activities are significant. The invention is offered as a means to prevent acute low back pain as defined by, activity intolerance of less than three months duration in the absence of serious spinal pathology. The invention provides the means to strengthen the trunk muscles in the home setting at low cost and maximum convenience.

[0003] According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “Conditioning exercises for the trunk muscles (particularly the back extensors) may be helpful, especially if the patient's acute low back problems persist.” The latter quote is found on page 3 of the AHCPR (Agency for Health Care Policy and Research) publication No. 95-0642 December 1994.

[0004] Exercise devices for trunk strengthening have been offered in the past, but they tend to be expensive and inconvient to use at home. Since trunk strengthening must be done regularly throughout the active years of the life span, the methodology must maximize efficiency and convenience.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The invention consists of a rectangular board and a freestanding removable clamp. The invention is designed to be used with a conventional bed. By conventional bed, it is meant, a bed consisting of a rigid frame and semi-rigid mattress.

[0006] Together, the invention and bed become a trunk strengthening device. The rectangular board is placed on top of the mattress and becomes the platform from which the exercises are performed. The clamp secures the board to the bed so that it can not move during the exercises. The board and clamp are easily assembled and disassembled and require minimal space for storage when not in use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007]FIG. 1 is an end view of the freestanding clamp consisting of post 1 and rectangular base 2. The post 1 is located on the base 2 in a position such that forces toward the user and away from the bed are counteracted.

[0008]FIG. 2 is a front to back view of the freestanding clamp. The upper rod 3 and the lower rod 4 are shown as they are positioned in the post 1. Both rods are at a 90 degree angle to the post and they are positioned within the post such that the angle can not change.

[0009]FIG. 3 is a view from the end of the bed looking toward the head of the bed. FIG. 3 shows the board 5 and clamp 1 in position for use. FIG. 3 shows the lower rod 4 pressing up against the bed frame 6 and the upper rod 3 pressing down against the board 5. The mattress 7 and box spring 8 of the bed are indicated.

[0010]FIG. 4 shows the user in a prone position with the upper body flexed forward over the edge of the bed. The user's ankles are positioned under the foam covered bar 9. FIG. 4 shows the upper rod 3 within the guide clamps 10 that are mounted on the board 5.

[0011]FIG. 5 shows the user in the supine position with the ankles under the foam covered bar 9. The upper rod 3 is within the guide clamps 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The invention consists of a rectangular board and a freestanding adjustable clamp. The board, which is rigid and lightweight, has at one end a foam covered bar meant for the stabilization of the lower extremities. The bar can be positioned at various points on the board in order to accomodate users of various height.

[0013] The clamp consists of an upright post which is mounted on a rectangular base for stability. Two metal rods pass through the post. The bottom rod is shorter and it passes under the bed frame. The longer rod passes over the board through two guide clamps that are mounted on the board and then through the upper portion of the post. Various holes are located in the post for both rods in order to achieve sufficient compression between the board, the mattress, and the bed frame.

[0014] The board is positioned with its top edge in line with the bottom end of the mattress. The board is then clamped to the bed. To perform abdominal exercise, the user lies on the board in the supine position with hips and knees flexed and feet under the bar. Sit ups and abdominal curls are performed in the usual manner.

[0015] To perform back strengthening exercise, the user lies in a prone position on top of the board with the waist at the edge of the board and bed. The ankles are positioned under the foam covered bar. The user allows the upper body to flex forward over the edge of the bed. Back strengthening is accomplished by returning the upper body to the horizontal position from the downward flexed position. Back muscle strengthening is achieved by repeating the cycle of flexed and extended positions until muscle fatigue of the trunk extensors is reached. 

What I claim as my invention is:
 1. A rigid, lightweight, rectangular board that has at one end a foam covered bar that is mounted an said board and raised on said board to allow the feet and ankles to pass underneath it. The foam covered bar which is meant to stabilize the lower extremities may be positioned at various points on the board in order to accomodate users of various height. At the same end as the foam covered bar, two guide clamps are mounted which receive a metal rod which serves to hold the board down on the bed as exercises are performed.
 2. A free standing, adjustable clamp consisting of a post which is mounted on a rectangular base. The post has two sets of holes for each of two metal rods which pass through the post and serve to clamp the board firmly to the bed upon which it rests. The bottom rod is shorter and it passes through the post and underneath the bed frame. The top rod is longer and it passes through the post and over the surface of the rectangular board through two guide clamps that are mounted on the board. Two sets of holes are provided in the post so that the metal rods may be positioned in order to achieve sufficient compression between the bed frame and the rectangular board. 